Aerial stratification of algae.

Abstract

One of the ways algae are distributed from one aquatic habitat to another is via the air. As much as 3,000 algae per cubic meter of dust have been collected. This study attempted to determine whether or not airborne algae are vertically stratified in the air. The following research questions were asked: 1) Do some species of algae occur at certain heights but not others? 2) Does the abundance of certain species of algae vary at different heights? 3) Does the overall abundance of algae vary at different heights? Aerial stratification of algae, if it exists, may provide us with information helpful in predicting and/or explaining distribution of algae. In addition, such information may provide insights on algal adaptation. For example, do the shapes, designs and/or size of algae adapt them for differential bouyancy in the air?